'Turn around. Don't drown'

With flash flood warnings and road closures in the area, the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) reminds residents to Turn Around, Don’t Drown. 

Just six inches of flowing water can knock a person off of their feet.  Eighteen to 24 inches of moving water can wash an SUV off of the road. 

In fact, according to the National Weather Service, more than half of all flood related deaths are related to people driving through flooded roads and more deaths occur due to flooding each year than from any other thunderstorm or hurricane related hazard.*  

Many of these casualties are a result of careless or unsuspecting motorists who attempt to navigate flooded roads.  FLASH and the National Weather Service warns anyone who comes to a flooded roadway, “Turn Around…Don’t Drown”!

Follow these safety rules when flooding occurs in your area:

• Get to higher ground. Stay away from flood-prone areas, including dips, low spots, valleys, ditches, washes, etc.
• Avoid flooded areas or those with rapid water flow. Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream. It takes only six inches of fast flowing water to sweep you off your feet.
• Don’t allow children to play near high water, storm drains or ditches. Hidden dangers could lie beneath the water.
• Flooded roads could have significant damage hidden by floodwaters. NEVER drive through floodwaters or on flooded roads.  Water only one foot deep can float most automobiles.
• Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly when threatening conditions exist.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
• Monitor NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio or your local media for vital weather related information.

For more information on protecting your home from flooding, visit www.flash.org. For mobile flood warnings, flash flood warnings and mitigation tips, download FLASH Weather Alerts at www.flashweatheralerts.org.